Living around Washington, DC, can sometimes be incredibly frustrating. The traffic, politics, and congestion are inescapable. But sometimes? I just have no words for how amazingly awesome it is.

I’ve written before about how there’s really not a shortage of cool, unique experiences in Washington, DC. Especially if you have kids, there are some truly one-of-a-kind experiences that should be on your itinerary. Sleeping over at the Smithsonian is one of those experiences. Because come on, who doesn’t want to sleep over at the Smithsonian?

For an idea of what you might expect, check out my report of a similar event at the National Archives, where you spend the night in the Archives rotunda and sleep beside the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Yeah. How cool is that?

The Smithsonian Associates runs their sleepover program in four different museums: the Natural History Museum, American History Museum, Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center, and the National Portrait Gallery (new this year). Each provides a different experience and focus, so which you choose really depends on your interests (and schedule).

The National Zoo (also operated by the Smithsonian) has a separate Snore & Roar sleepover if that’s more your speed.

It should be noted that these events are intended for children. Kids must be 8 to 12 years old (10-14 for the National Portrait Gallery), and there must be at least one adult for every three children in any group. No siblings younger than 8, and no adults without children. Sorry about that.

Regardless of which museum you choose, the itinerary has some similarities. The evening kicks off at 7 PM after the museum closes for the day, and various activities keep the kids occupied until bedtime, which is around midnight. Snack is included, as is breakfast the following morning before the museum reopens to the public.

• At the Natural History Museum: Go on an interactive exploration of the museum and participate in hands-on crafts projects. Plus everyone sleeps beneath Phoenix the blue whale in Ocean Hall!
• At the American History Museum: Solve a Smithsonian mystery of historic proportions! The devious diva Miss Rose has stolen six valuable objects from the National Museum of American History – and you need to discover what’s missing before evening’s end.
• At the Air and Space Museum: Grab your flight checklist and take off for a night that includes plenty of games, art activities, and close-up looks at some of the most historic and fascinating craft ever to take to the skies
• At the National Portrait Gallery: Experience the roles of the artist, art critic, and storyteller in this unique sleepover. Inspired by a variety of visual art mediums, games, and an immersive guided journey through the museum, sleepover guests create their own portfolios and display their work in a one-night-only gallery exhibition

Not many people can claim to sleep in the shadow of a space shuttle (Discovery) or inside 3 of the world’s 20 most popular museums. Except for the National Portrait Gallery, the other three branches of the Smithsonian rank #2, #4, and #17, according to CNN.

Registration costs $135 per person ($120 of you’re a Smithsonian Associates member). There are several dates this summer for each event (except for the National Portrait Gallery, which only has one date), so check here for the schedule and make your reservation!